The Internal Revenue Service issues a list of the top 12 tax scams each year – known as the Dirty Dozen. The scams are illegal and can lead to problems for taxpayers including significant penalties, interest and possible criminal prosecution. These scams don’t just happen during the tax filing season, they can happen anytime during the year. Here are five scams from the 2010 Dirty Dozen list every taxpayer should be aware of this summer. (more…)
Archive for the ‘Misc’ Category
Nine Tips on the 10 Percent Tax on Tanning Services
by P. Lewis RobinsonJul
8
Starting July 1, 2010, many businesses offering tanning services must collect a 10 percent excise tax on the tanning services they provide. This excise tax requirement is part of the Affordable Care Act that was enacted in March 2010. (more…)
Seven Things about Getting More Time to File your Tax Return
by P. Lewis RobinsonApr
8
If you can’t meet the April deadline to file your tax return, you can get an automatic six month extension of time to file from the IRS.
Here are seven things you need to know about filing an extension:
- Extra time to file An extension will give you extra time to get your paperwork to the IRS, but it does not extend the time you have to pay any tax due. You will owe interest on any amount not paid by the April 15 deadline, plus a late payment penalty if you have not paid at least 90 percent of your total tax by that date. (more…)
Seven Things to Know About the Taxpayer Advocate Service
by P. Lewis RobinsonApr
6
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the Internal Revenue Service whose employees assist taxpayers who are experiencing economic harm, who are seeking help in resolving problems with the IRS, or who believe that an IRS system or procedure is not working as it should. Here are seven things every taxpayer should know about TAS.
- TAS is your voice at the IRS.
- TAS service is free, confidential, and tailored to meet your needs. (more…)
Ten Things the IRS Wants You to Know About Identity Theft
by P. Lewis RobinsonMar
24
Criminals use many methods to steal personal information from taxpayers. They can use your information to steal your identity and file a tax return in order to receive a refund. Here are 10 things the IRS wants you to know about identity theft so you can avoid becoming the victim of a scam artist.
- Identity thieves get your personal information by many different means, including stealing a wallet or purse or accessing information you provide to an unsecured Internet site. They even look for personal information in your trash. They also pose as someone who needs information through a phone call or e-mail. (more…)
Oops! Errors to Avoid at Tax Time
by P. Lewis RobinsonMar
17
Errors made on tax returns may delay the processing of your tax return, which in turn, may cause your refund to arrive later. Here are nine common errors the IRS wants you to avoid to help guarantee your refund arrives on time. (more…)
Six Things You Need to Know About Your Economic Recovery Payment
by P. Lewis RobinsonMar
16
Did you receive a $250 Economic Recovery Payment in 2009? You’ll need to know if you are claiming the Making Work Pay Tax Credit on your 2009 tax return.
Only individuals who received income from the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement (more…)
IRS Has $1.3 Billion for People Who Have Not Filed a 2006 Tax Return
by P. Lewis RobinsonMar
7
Washington — Unclaimed refunds totaling more than $1.3 billion are awaiting nearly 1.4 million people who did not file a federal income tax return for 2006, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. However, to collect the money, a return for 2006 must be filed with the IRS no later than Thursday, April 15, 2010. (more…)
Four Places to Find Free Tax Help
by P. Lewis RobinsonMar
1
The IRS provides free publications and forms as well as other tax material and information to help taxpayers meet their tax obligations. Here are four great ways you can get the information you need to file your tax return. The best thing about these four options is that they won’t cost you a dime! (more…)
Four Steps to Follow If You Are Missing a W-2
by P. Lewis RobinsonFeb
10
Getting ready to file your tax return? Make sure you have all your documents before you start. You should receive a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement from each of your employers. Employers have until February 1, 2010 to send you a 2009 Form W-2 earnings statement. If you haven’t received your W-2, follow these four steps: (more…)
